People overthink journaling. We want to start journaling but never seem to find the time. Part of that is we overthink it. We’re not writing our epic life story. At most we’re writing down a feeling we had that day or answering a journaling prompt.
Also we don’t have to journal every day. It is a journal not a diary. I do think it is helpful when starting to have some journaling prompts. Lots of us look at a blank page and that is the end of it. Nothing to say. Put the journal away.
So if establishing a journaling routine is our intention lets break it down. I’m going with a four month intention time frame. Remember this is not a resolution of firmly starting or ending an action. It is fluid. An intention.
Breakdown! Exciting part.
- Remember we are breaking it down into smaller manageable steps. That gives us a sense of moving forward when we cross an item off – no matter how small.
- Start with purchasing a pretty journal. Something that makes you smile when you look at it. Also a nice pen. I like to write by hand. I find my thoughts are different when using a pen and paper compared to typing on a device. If you are using a device that is fine. First item crossed off your list! Remember to set a deadline to purchase your journal. Say within the first two weeks.
- Head to PInterest or wherever and find some journaling prompts. Again set a deadline and have fun here. Yes, I know it is easy to go down other rabbit holes on Pinterest especially with crafts and holidays coming up. That is okay but remember the prompts first and than the rabbit holes.
- Write them in your journal – maybe the back pages to refer to later. We want to have prompts for when we feel we have nothing to write about.
- I don’t recommend setting specific dates for your journaling like Monday, Wednesday and Friday. What works for me is X many times a week. That way if Monday is shot Tuesday is okay or even Thursday. As along as you do the set amount of times you committed to. You might have to journal two or three days in a row. That is okay.
- Be gentle and give yourself grace. Life happens. Remember you don’t have to write an epic entry. It can be a sentence or two. I felt like……when this happened. Or a funny thing someone said that day. Not all journaling has to be serious. Also remember you have your prompts at the back to refer to if stuck not nothing what to write.
- During the four months look for more prompts. You don’t want to run out. Jot down questions you want to explore through journaling.
- Just a suggestion, but what about taking your journal and writing at lunch time? Head to a cafe, grab your favoriate beverage, relax and write. This is also about finding time for our intention (yourself).
- Remember this is only for four months. You get to set another intention in four month. Assess how you felt about this one. Was it worth it? Will you be continuing?
Here are a few journaling prompts to start you off:
What did you love to do as a child?
What would you tell your younger self?
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
What does blue or red or yellow represent to you?
Favorite book and why?
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Ocean or lake? Beach or mountain vacation?
What would you like to collect if you had time and money?
Secret fantasy job?
If you came across interesting journaling prompts let us know. Always good to have a few tucked away!
Setting Our Intentions 